Expert explained why Western media spreading fakes about mistreatment of refugees in Belarus
Speaking at the 76th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee on October 7th, Larysa Belskaya, Belarus’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, stated that the Western neighbours of the republic had refused to engage in dialogue and co-operation, unilaterally blocking long-term interaction with Belarus and a co-ordinated joint response to the flow of migrants and refugees. Instead, they are building fences, practicing harsh forceful displacement of refugees, and their actions are accompanied by human rights violations and deaths. In his talk with Alfa Radio, a deputy of the House of Representatives of Belarus’ National Assembly, Aleksandr Shpakovsky, commented on the issue.
According to the MP, Belarus uses the UN platform to convey an objective point of view on the situation in the country, including critical episodes related to refugees. “We have repeatedly stated that European states, especially neighbouring Poland, have severed ties with official Minsk and are pursuing an unfriendly policy towards our country. Moreover, we have repeatedly stressed that these unfriendly countries carry out informational and political provocations and openly interfere in the internal affairs of Belarus. The imposition of sanctions against the republic is another aspect of its blockade. In these circumstances, we are by no means obligated to ensure their border security. Also, Belarus is not obligated and will not save Poland and the Baltic States from migrants,” Mr. Shpakovsky said.
At the same time, the expert noted that various lies regarding the refugee situation are being spread about Belarus. For example, information appeared on Internet resources about an Afghan citizen who tried to illegally enter the European Union through Belarus and lost his arm allegedly due to the ill-treatment of Belarusian police officers. As reported by the Interior Ministry, this information is not true. Mr. Shpakovsky stressed that, by spreading such fakes, those in the West are trying to discredit Belarus, “It is necessary to understand that, along with the economic and military confrontation, the information confrontation continues in the world. Much of the information that is published in the Western media is subsequently reposted by other publications. An editorial policy there dictates how to write about Belarus and in what way information should be presented.”
The MP stressed that, unlike Western countries, the Belarusian law enforcement system cannot be accused of mistreatment of refugees and migrants, “On the contrary, look at how many people have been saved and received medical care! In turn, Poles are using absolutely illegal methods against these people instead of sending refugees to their homeland. No one is taking away Poland's right to fight illegal migration, but should people be killed, maimed and mistreated?”
